Navigating Pakistan’s HVAC Industry: Strategies for Awareness, Certification, and Excellence

In a country grappling with extreme weather and a regulatory vacuum, Pakistan's construction sector is increasingly recognizing the value of certifications to deliver reliable, sustainable HVAC solutions—particularly for industrial and healthcare applications.

As an emerging economy, Pakistan stands at a pivotal moment. Political and economic shifts are reshaping its construction landscape, where macroeconomic stability remains a critical driver of progress. Khalid Rabbani, Director of Fahim, Nanji & deSouza (Pvt.) Limited—a renowned engineering consultancy with a rich portfolio—emphasizes this challenge:

"Industrial growth has been hampered by soaring utility costs and the allure of higher profits in sectors like real estate. Yet, recent years have brought progress, especially in healthcare, where service demands are fueling expansion."

Amjad Iqbal, CEO of Welkin Solutions—a key HVAC market player and exclusive distributor for brands like Systemair—echoes this optimism. Despite economic uncertainties stalling investments, he highlights the resilience of Pakistan’s industrial and healthcare sectors. Urbanization, government incentives, and rising consumer demand propel industrial growth, while population increases, better infrastructure, and heightened healthcare awareness drive the latter. Stringent regulations aligned with international and environmental standards are further shaping these sectors’ trajectories.

— Amjad Iqbal, Welkin Solutions

Designing for Local Needs: Resilience Amid Challenges

Iqbal notes a surging demand for tailored HVAC solutions in critical applications. “Industries need efficient systems to optimize operations, ensure worker comfort, and meet environmental mandates,” he explains. “In healthcare, precise temperature and humidity control are non-negotiable for sterile environments and patient well-being. Reliable, adaptable systems are essential as sectoral growth and infrastructure projects accelerate, promising sustained demand for advanced HVAC technologies.”

Rabbani, however, underscores the unique hurdles of designing MEP systems in Pakistan. Extreme temperatures and humidity test system durability, while limited skilled labor and advanced technology complicate execution. “Budget constraints, tight timelines, and a focus on short-term gains often overshadow optimal solutions,” he says. “The absence of strict minimum standards in some areas further risks quality and efficiency.” Innovative design, cost-effective strategies, and rigorous quality assurance, he argues, are key to overcoming these barriers.

Standards and Regulations: A Work in Progress

Iqbal credits regulations from the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), ASHRAE standards, and local environmental laws with raising industry benchmarks. These mandates enforce energy efficiency, indoor air quality (IAQ), and safety standards. Yet, economic instability has sparked calls to strengthen compliance mechanisms. “We need robust minimum standards to elevate appreciation for quality HVAC solutions,” he says. “Certified, high-performing products ensure long-term efficiency and sustainability, while substandard options jeopardize performance, safety, and costs.”

Certifications like Eurovent Certified Performance are gaining traction in Pakistan, prized for their rigorous testing and validation of energy efficiency and performance. TUV certifications, meanwhile, are favored in healthcare for their strict safety and quality standards.

“As demand for premium HVAC solutions rises, certifications like Eurovent are vital,” says Morten Schmelzer, Head of Group Public Affairs at Systemair AB. “They’re not just badges—they guarantee performance and reliability.” Schmelzer stresses the need for certification bodies to guide emerging markets like Pakistan, noting that even underperforming products can earn certification if data is accurate. “Focus on specific metrics—like the Eurovent Energy Label’s A+ to E scale or the Hygienic Air Handling Unit’s 1-3 star rating—ensures top-tier selections.”

— Morten Schmelzer, Systemair AB

Bridging the Awareness Gap

Rabbani acknowledges growing awareness of certifications among Pakistani stakeholders but highlights a persistent knowledge gap in a cost-driven market. “Certified AHUs, fans, and chillers—like those with AMCA or Eurovent labels—are in demand for their quality and efficiency, yet their full value isn’t always understood,” he says. Industry associations, manufacturers, and consultants must lead education efforts, while international bodies could amplify their presence.

“Certified products mitigate risks and ensure compliance,” Rabbani adds. Schmelzer agrees: “Education is critical. Certifications aren’t formalities—they’re the backbone of sustainable, efficient HVAC systems.”